Due to the risk of falling masonry the keep at Longtown Castle is currently closed to the public. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Address:
Longtown, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR2 0LE
A powerful thick-walled round keep dating from the mid-12th century, characteristic of the Welsh borders, on a large earthen mound within a stone-walled bailey. Set in the beautiful Olchon valley, with magnificent views of the Black Mountains.
Read more about the history of Longtown Castle.
The Longtown Castles Project, a local community project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, have conducted some interesting research and excavations to discover more about the origins of Longtown Castle and nearby Ponthendre Motte. Find out more about the project.
Before You Go
Parking: Limited off-road parking is available by the castle entrance.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Please be aware: There are steep steps up to the keep which can become slippery during wet weather.
English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.
Plan a Great Day Out
Bring a picnic and enjoy the magnificent views of the Black Mountains. The castle is a great place for children to re-enact the past and there's plenty of room for them to run around.
The Welsh Borders are dotted with castles. Goodrich Castle is one of the country's best preserved medieval fortresses, and visitors can climb the battlements, explore the exhibition and enjoy a well-earned rest in the tearoom. Slightly further afield you'll find Clun Castle and Wigmore Castle.